Jenson Button began preparations for the greatest race of his life yesterday - finally starting to believe he can win the world title.

After his fourth victory in five races on Sunday in Spain, bookies have installed him as hot favourite to run away with Lewis Hamilton's crown.

If he does, the 29-year-old will create history, as the pair become the first English drivers in the sport's 59-year history to notch back-to-back titles.

But even such a soaring achievement would not satisfy him totally if he fails to win the greatest race on earth in Monte Carlo a week on Sunday.

And the same goes for Rubens Barrichello who, like Button, appreciates he may never get a better chance than this to add his name alongside the legends to have triumphed at Monaco.

Both drivers have finished second in the past, but neither has won it.

And the man from Somerset warned there will be no free gifts, even though the street showdown comes on the weekend of the Brazilian's 37th birthday. "I don't think I can help out.

I think that is down to you, fella," said 29-year-old Button, patting Barrichello on the back as they sat side by side.

The one-two in Spain was a precious moment for Brawn because it confirmed their rivals have still not made up the ground lost in the double diffuser controversy.

More importantly for Button, it signalled that his domination has every chance of continuing beyond the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on June 21.

His lead is 14 points ... and counting.

"Wins always mean a lot obviously, but coming back to Europe and winning in Barcelona, a circuit that I've always found a little bit tough, is a good feeling and gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season," said Button.

Sao Paulo's finest was puzzled at losing out on a victory he had in his grasp simply because Button, on a different strategy, could drive faster.

And Barrichello warned he would quit if Brawn ever favoured the Brit.

Team boss Ross Brawn rubbished any notion of favouritism and said: "It's all my decision in the end. The guys put the information together and make the recommendation.

"But I make the decision on the pit wall. Good or bad, it stays with me. Any driver who is happy when he gets beat is not a driver I want in the team.

"I would find it very strange if he was very content with being second." Brawn believes that the championship is already a twohorse race with Red Bull as he wrote off Hamilton's McLaren and Ferrari.

He said: "Other teams will come and go, but in the terms of the championship and long term Red Bull are very strong.

"They have designer Adrian Newey, a good group of people and good drivers. It looks as if they are the main challengers."